Build-A-Bear Workshop to open new distribution center

Build-A-Bear Workshop plans to build a 350,000-square-foot distribution center near Columbus, Ohio that will be its primary distribution center, it said Thursday.

The company said the $24 million center would convert an existing third-party distribution center in St. Louis to a pool point for local markets after September 2006.

Currently, the company uses three distribution centers in St. Louis, Los Angeles and Toronto, all operated by JS Logistics. The company plans to continue using the third-party centers in Toronto and Los Angeles.

The new center is expected to initially employ 100 workers and be in operation in September.

Barry Erdos, president and chief operating officer, said the company has broadened its national presence in the last several years and has plans for future growth.